One of the biggest decisions a homeowner can make is the type of material to use for their roof. Roofing materials can affect your energy bill, home security, and the frequency of roof maintenance. Here in Kansas, the two most popular residential roofing options are asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Asphalt shingle roofing and metal roofing each have their own unique benefits and downsides. However, deciding between roofing products may not be as simple as it seems.
As an experienced Wichita roofing company, Dingers Roofing and Construction breaks down the differences between shingles vs a metal roof so you can decide which roofing material is best for your Kansas home.
Key Considerations for Kansas Homes
Weather
If you live in Kansas, you are more than familiar with the unpredictable weather: severe storms, hail, tornadoes, and extreme temperatures. Over time, this unruly Kansas weather will impact shingle roofs and metal roofing. Hail, wind, and storm damage all shorten your roof’s lifespan, cause long term water damage, and create structural problems for the rest of your home. Eventually, this damage adds up and can cost you thousands in repairs.
Durability
Prioritizing durable roofing makes sense for every home. Strong, resilient roofing lasts longer, costs less to maintain and adds to the look of your home. Durable roofing is especially important in Kansas with high winds and severe storms a common occurrence. With this in mind, homeowners should look for qualities like impact-resistant shingles, or class 4 shingles, for added durability. Features like the coating on metal roofing also affect durability. Silicone and acrylic are two options that protect metal roofing from weathering but offer different levels of strength.
Asphalt Shingles
In general, asphalt shingles are made up of a fiberglass mat base and then coated in asphalt. There are various types of shingles to choose from and all differ in style, durability, and price. Some options include, 3 tab, architectural, and impact-resistant shingles. Homeowners often choose asphalt shingles because of the affordable price, easy installation and availability. However, asphalt shingles do have several trade-offs when it comes to durability and lifespan compared to metal roofing.
Pros
- Affordable initial installation
- Easier to install
- Wide availability
- Lightweight
- Easier to repair
- Variety of colors and styles
Cons
- Shorter lifespan compared to metal, 15 – 30 years
- Susceptible to hail, wind, and temperature damage
- Less energy efficient
- Requires frequent maintenance
- Less eco friendly
- Color loss
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing comes in several different materials ranging from aluminum to copper, zinc, and steel. Assembling and installing metal roofing is complex, leading to a higher upfront cost and limited styling. Standing seam, corrugated, and stone coated metal roofing are a few of the available designs, yet not every roofing company will specialize in these styles. Even so, durable metal roofing requires less maintenance, provides better weather resistance, and lasts longer than shingle roofing.
Pros
- Long lifespan, 40 – 70 years
- Fire resistant
- Energy efficient
- Higher weather resistance
- Low maintenance
- Eco friendly
- May reduce insurance premiums
Cons
- High installation cost
- Heavier
- Difficult to install
- Noise
- Limited availability
- Expensive to repair
- Rust and corrosion
Additional Factors to Consider
Home Value
Depending on your roofing choice you may increase your home’s value. For example, metal roofing is fire resistant and eco friendly, both qualities that add unique protection to a home. High quality, long-lasting roofing costs less to repair over time and provides homeowners with an added layer of reliability. All of these factors can make your home more valuable by creating a safer, less damage prone environment.
Possible Insurance Savings
Insurance companies consider a wide range of factors when providing home insurance. Generally speaking, age, material, condition and style of roof all impact the cost of coverage. Newer roofing options, especially metal and slate roofs can make your insurance cost less overall. As a result, many insurance companies will reduce the cost of your insurance since your roof poses low risk for damage. Nonetheless, we recommend contacting your insurance agent for more information on insurance costs related to roofing options.
Aesthetics
It’s important to consider how certain roofing options match the style of your home. Both shingle and metal roofs offer a variety of specific that can bring your vision together. Architectural shingles mimic the look of high-end options while remaining stylish and affordable. Metal roofing, while limited in some cases, comes in different colors, materials, and coatings to help you balance style with function. Regardless of your choice, there are dozens of options that can suit your specific tastes and needs.
Environmental Impact
Roof replacement and installation both take their toll on the environment. Asphalt shingles are responsible for over 10 million tons of waste a year. On the other hand, metal roofing is 100% recyclable and provides a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative for homeowners. Additionally, metal roofing is consistently more energy efficient, saving you money while putting less strain on the environment.
Bottom Line: Choose the Best Roof For Your Home
Budget
When considering your roofing budget, think long term. Initial costs are definitely a point to consider, but keep in mind that over time you may spend more through repairs and roof replacement with a cheaper roof. Shingle roofs offer low up front costs and easy installation. However, asphalt shingles may require a larger budget over time due to needed repairs. Metal roofing options often have higher initial costs but require less frequent maintenance, so they may ultimately cost less throughout their lifespan. Therefore, we recommend calculating your budget with long term costs in mind.
Personal Priorities
What do you personally value when it comes to roofing options? Weighing longevity over upfront cost often comes down to budget. But for many homeowners, factors like durability or environmental impact are also important.
Request Estimates
Roofing installation is a big investment. Reach out to a licensed roofing contractor for an estimate before you make a decision. It’s best to compare prices or quotes from multiple contractors to make sure you are getting the best price. Your estimate can also help you understand the scope of work and timeline for your roof replacement project.
Trust Dingers Roofing & Construction for Shingle or Metal Roofing in Wichita, KS
Whether you’re looking for metal roof installation or asphalt roof replacement, it’s important to find a roofing company you can trust. Dingers Roofing and Construction has decades of experience installing, repairing, and replacing shingle and metal roofing in the Wichita area. We can help you decide whether shingles or metal roofing is right for your home. Contact us today at 316-202-2066 for a free roof inspection and quote.